Each year on Memorial Day our Post members participate in their most important ceremony of the year. It is the Remembrance Ceremony where each military Clifton Athenia resident who made the supreme sacrifice is individually honored and acknowledged. The Remembrance ceremony has been performed for every year the Athenia Veterans Post has been in existence, over 60 years of annual remembrance.
The list has grown since 1947. At that time, Athenia veterans from World War II who lost their lives in battle were acknowledged by the Post. Since then, Korea and Viet Nam became major military conflicts. Again Clifton residents were called to serve. Again, Clifton Athenia residents made the supreme sacrifice in those conflicts. Their names were added to the original list and now all of these great military individuals are recognized in the annual ceremony.
The Ceremony has gained popularity with the local community. It has provided the insight necessary to educate the young who are unaware of what freedom actually did cost. Local politicians, clergy, and veteran representatives realize the importance of this event. They “make it their business” to attend and participate in this annual affair. Both Congressman Bill Pascrell and the mayor of Clifton, James Anzaldi, have participated in past Post ceremonies.
The displayed photos are a representative collection of past Memorial Day observances:
Retired Air Force Major and Post member Michael J. Rembish as Master of Ceremonies of the event.
Congressman Bill Pascrell providing an inspiring Memorial Day speech.
Members of the Athenia Veterans Post Ladies Auxiliary Color Guard.
Athenia Veteran Post Color Guard members as rifleman and ceremonial flag bearer.
Athenia Veteran Post members of the Rifle Team.
The placed wreaths honoring the fallen soldiers of World War II, Korea and Viet Nam at the memorial stone.